iOS 16 Beta With 5G Support for Jio, Airtel in India Rolls Out to iPhone Users

Apple has rolled out a beta update to enable 5G on Apple devices in India, and the upgrade lets users try out pre-release software with support for 5G networks in the country. This software upgrade will enable 5G connectivity on compatible iPhone models, as and when service providers Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) enable 5G network access, sources said. Apple users must enrol for the Beta Programme on the website, install a profile and download the software.

Jio users using iPhone 12 and above, in cities where JioTrue5G has been rolled out, will be invited to the Jio Welcome Offer. Jio Welcome Offer provides unlimited 5G data at up to 1 Gbps speed to users at no additional cost. However, there is a condition that prepaid users must be on active Rs. 239 and above plan. All postpaid users are eligible for this trial.

Unlike its rival Jio, Airtel has not provided any special 5G offer to its customers. In the cities or areas in which the Airtel 5G network has been launched, users can trial 5G services as a part of their existing plan once they have updated the latest Apple Beta software.

While an email sent to Apple did not solicit an immediate response, the firm had last month stated: "We are working with our carrier partners in India to bring the best 5G experience to iPhone users as soon as network validation and testing for quality and performance is completed. 5G will be enabled via a software update and will start rolling out to iPhone users in December".

Airtel and Jio customers on iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone SE (2022) models can experience 5G as part of Apple's iOS 16 Beta Software Program. The Apple Beta Software Program is open to anyone with a valid Apple ID who accepts the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement during the sign-up process. If a user has an iCloud account, that is an Apple ID, it is recommended they use that. If they do not have an iCloud account or any other Apple ID, they can create one.

How to join the iOS 16 beta program

In order to install these public betas, users will have to first enrol in the Apple Beta Software Program with their Apple ID. Apple has a detailed guide about this in the FAQ section for the beta.

Once you've enrolled into the Apple Beta Software Program, head to Settings > General > Software Update from your chosen device to download the update. It is advisable to have at least 50 percent battery and a strong Wi-Fi connection before beginning the process.

Customers who want to try the beta software should back up their iPhones before installing the beta software. It is recommended to install the beta software only on non-production devices that are not business critical. Users can also provide feedback to Apple on quality and usability, which helps Apple identify issues, fix them, and make Apple software even better. The iOS beta comes with the built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on the iPhone or iPad.